A Special Talk delivered by Prof. Roberto Vale of Singapore University on “Intercultural Communication and Intellectual Leadership (11th of October 2024

A Special Talk delivered by Prof. Roberto Vale of Singapore University on “Intercultural Communication and Intellectual Leadership”: A brief Report The Department of Commerce, University of Kashmir hosted an insightful and engaging lecture on 11-10-2024 delivered by Prof. Roberto Vale from Singapore Management University on the topic “Intercultural Communication and Intellectual Leadership”. The lecture focused on understanding cross-cultural communication and its vital role in modern-day leadership and collaboration, particularly in diverse environments. Prof. Vale began the session by introducing the concept of cross-cultural communication, emphasizing its importance in an increasingly globalized world. He highlighted how effective communication across different cultures is essential for collaboration, whether in business, academia, or other professional settings. The learned speaker stressed that learning to communicate and collaborate across cultural boundaries requires not just language skills but also a deep understanding of the cultural context in which interactions occur. One of the major highlights of the lecture was the discussion on the challenges of cross-cultural communication. Prof. Vale outlined several common issues that arise when individuals from different cultural backgrounds attempt to communicate, including misinterpretations, cultural biases, and the phenomenon known as "cross-culture noise." He also spoke about how assumptions made based on one’s own cultural framework often lead to communication barriers. Another key point covered during the lecture was how deeply ingrained culture is in shaping the way individuals lives and perceive the world. Prof. Vale explained that culture affects not just the way people communicate, but also how they think, behave, and interpret various life situations. He emphasized that recognizing the subtle influence of deep culture on one’s worldview is crucial for successful intercultural interactions. To further enrich the session, Prof. Vale displayed a series of videos that highlighted the diversity of cultural practices across the world. These videos served as powerful illustrations of the complexities involved in cross-cultural communication and the need for intellectual leadership in navigating such complexities. The lecture was highly interactive, with students and scholars actively participating in discussions. This engagement not only enhanced the overall learning experience but also provided practical insights into how different individuals perceive and respond to cultural diversity in communication. In addition to the lecture, Prof. Vale also held one-on-one discussions with faculty members and scholars of the Department of Commerce. These focused dialogues delved deeper into the nuances of intercultural communication and leadership, providing personalized insights into how to foster intellectual leadership in culturally diverse settings. The talk by Prof. Roberto Vale was a great success, providing valuable insights into the complexities of intercultural communication and the role of intellectual leadership in navigating those complexities. His use of engaging visuals, real-world examples, and interactive discussions made the session both informative and impactful. The event highlighted the importance of cultural sensitivity, open-mindedness, and leadership in a globalized world where effective communication is key to success. The Department of Commerce looks forward to hosting more such talks that contribute to the academic growth of its students, Scholars and the faculty.